Thursday 1 Feb 2018, 6pmRoyal Festival Hall, London

In his Second String Quintet, the young Dvořák discovered his compositional style, revealing the Slavic influences and natural lyricism that would popularise his work across Bohemia and beyond.

Following a festive opening movement, the second bursts with folkish energy. Throughout, Dvořák used the added weight provided by the double bass to release the cello into its songful upper register, and in the heart of the piece - the tender third movement – it soars with a lyrical melody. The stormy finale ends the quintet in triumphant fashion.

Hear Dvořák at the height of his compositional mastery in the Orchestra’s evening programme at 7.30pm, featuring his Cello Concerto and Seventh Symphony.